Pianoforte.



No. 640,294. Patented Jan. 2, |4990. .1. W. MACY.

PIANOFORTE.

(Application led Sept. 14, 1898.) (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet l,

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No. 040,294. Patented 1an. 2, |900. .1. w. MACY.

PIANUF'onTE. (Application led Sept. 14, 1898.)

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OrrIcE.

JOHN YV. MACY, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.,

PIANFORTE.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent NO. 640,294, dated January 2, 1900.

Application iled September 14,- 1898. Serial No. 690,976. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN W. MACY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented certain Improvements in Upright Pianofortes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to certain improvements in string-frames for upright pianos by which the capotasto construction of the grand piano is applied to that of the upright. To attain this end, I use, in combination with a metal string-frame, a capo-tasto frame having a capo-tasto bar and bass-bridge running thelength of the scale and the necessary crossribs required by the divisions of the scale. By this method of construction the ordinary bearing-bars of the middle and treble strings are dispensed with, a more substantial support for the strings is obtained, and the tone of the piano improved.

My invention consists of a capo-tasto frame cast with a capo-tasto bar and bass-bridge integral with the same and having a top rib connected with the capo-tasto bar and bassbridge by cross-ribs. The space between the ribs and the capo-tasto bar may be left open or connected by a web of the casting, as desired. The whole is secured to the Wrest-plank and string-frames by a series of screw-bolts.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l shows the metal string-frame with the capotasto frame in position. Fig. 2 shows the capo-tasto frame detached from the stringframe. Fig. 3 is a sectional View of the upper portion of the string-frame and the capotasto frame. Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the string-frame and capo-tasto frame. Fig. 5 is a rear elevation of the capo-tasto frame detached. Fig. 6 is a sectional viewo'f the bass portion of the capo-tasto frame.

Similar letters ot reference indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, A represents the metal string-frame of an upright piano, having the bridge-plate a cast integral with the saine, along the upper edge ot which are the two down-bearings for the strings. The metal frame is provided with strengthening-ribs c c c2 c3 c4 and edge ribs 'd at the sides and bottom.

The capo-tasto frame e, employed in combination .with the strin g-frame described, consists of the capo-tasto bar f and bass-bridge g, forming a rib that extends the width of the scale. The capo-tasto bar forms the downbearing for the treble and middle sections of the strings. The top rib h extends from the bass tothe treble sides of the capo-tasto frame andis connected with the capo-tasto bar f and bass-bridge g by the cross-ribs t' t" 112 i3 t4 At the intersection of the cross-ribs with the top rib 7L and the capo-tasto bar fare placed the bosses through which the screw-bolts pass that secure the capo-tasto frame to the stringframe and Wrest-plank. The capo-tasto bar overlaps the top edge ot the string-frame and rests on the stops it and bass-web o. The cross-ribs are placed at the divisions of the scale and are a continuation of the strengthening-ribs of the string-frame.

While l prefer to apply the capo-tasto frame with open spaces between the capo-tasto bar and ribs, it is obvious that the same can be cast solid with the bar and ribs connected by a web of the casting.

It found desirable, the capo-tastolframe can be limited to the treble and middle portions A of the instrument.

By my improved combination of metal string-frame and capo-tasto frame the separate capo-tasto bars usually employed are dispensed with, the solidity and strength of construction are increased, a better support of the strings is obtained, and the tone throughout the treble approaches that of the grand piano in brilliancy and duration.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent l. Acapo-tasto frame econsisting of a capotasto bar f, bass-bridge rib g, and top rib 7L, connected by a series of cross-ribs t, e", i2, o?, it, 5, substantially as described.

2. The combination of a capo-tasto frame e consisting of a capo-tasto bar f, bass-bridge rib g and top rib h connected by a series of cross-ribs t', t', 2, is, t, t5, with the string-frame A: said capo-tasto frame overlapping the top edge of the string-frame to which it is attached by screw-bolts, substantially as dcscribed and set forth.

JOHN XV. MACY.

Witnesses:

J D. DE BRA, H, K. BIENE.

IOO 

